Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
In Memoriam: James Blood Ulmer, 1940–2026
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
Orrin Evans
(Photo: Courtesy DC Jazzfest)Pianist and composer Orrin Evans has been named to a two-year term as Artist-In-Residence for the DC Jazz Festival.
His residency has been made possible by the Jazz Road Creative Residencies program created by South Arts.
“With a Jazz Road Creative Residency grant, artists have the flexibility to design and propose their own project,” said Sara Donnelly, program director with South Arts. “We are putting the direction and power directly in the hands of the artists.”
“Making music has always been an essential part of my life, but presenting music is also a passion,” Evans said. “The chance to create and fellowship with the music scene in D.C. is a welcome one, and I am so excited about the possibilities. My sincere thanks to South Arts and DC Jazz Festival for the opportunity.”
A major component of the residency will revolve around highlighting Evans’ Captain Black Big Band. Evans plans to promote a musical and cultural exchange between D.C. and his hometown of Philadelphia. He will also conduct a master class as part of DC Jazz Festival Education and participate in DCJF’s We Get To Talk podcast series with host Sunny Sumter, CEO of the festival.
Evans’ big band master class will take place at the Howard University Chadwick Boseman College of Fine Arts with the Howard University Jazz Ensemble in March 2022. Additionally, Evans will premiere a new work engaging in creative partnerships with D.C.’s artist community, including cross-discipline engagements. These will include pop-up performances with D.C. artists throughout the residency, and a series of performances outside of the festival. The Captain Black Big Band, with a special guest vocalist, will also perform on the main stage of the 2022 DC JazzFest. DB
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
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